Elbow Braces
Counterforce Brace (Tennis / Golfer's Elbow Strap)
For lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), medial epicondylitis (golfer's elbow), and forearm tendon overuse pain.
Sizing Guide
Most counterforce straps are one-size with adjustable closures. The strap sits about 1 to 2 inches below the elbow crease, over the forearm muscle belly. No measurement is usually needed.
Tips & Tricks
Place the pressure pad over the muscle on the outer forearm for tennis elbow, or the inner forearm for golfer's elbow. Tighten until firm but not painful. You should be able to slide one finger under the strap. Wear during aggravating activities, not all day.
Common Mistakes
Placing the strap too close to the elbow joint reduces effectiveness. Wearing it too tight cuts off circulation and can cause numbness in the hand. Continuous all-day wear can cause skin irritation.
Hinged Elbow Brace (Ligament Support)
For elbow instability, ligament injuries (UCL, RCL), and post-injury support requiring lateral reinforcement.
Sizing Guide
Measure forearm circumference 2 inches below the elbow crease. Match to the manufacturer's size chart. The hinges should align with the center of your elbow joint on both sides.
Tips & Tricks
Wrap the brace around the elbow with the hinges centered on the joint line. Adjust straps so the brace feels secure without sliding. Wearing a thin sleeve underneath helps prevent skin irritation.
Common Mistakes
Hinges that sit above or below the joint line will bind when you bend the elbow. Take time to position the hinges over the joint before tightening straps.
Elbow Compression Sleeve
For mild elbow swelling, general support during activity, and arthritis discomfort.
Sizing Guide
Measure forearm circumference 2 inches below the elbow. Match to the manufacturer's size chart. The sleeve should fit snugly like compression wear without cutting in.
Tips & Tricks
Roll the sleeve on rather than pulling to avoid overstretching the material. Wear it centered over the elbow joint. Compression sleeves work best worn during activity rather than overnight.
Common Mistakes
A sleeve that is too tight restricts circulation and causes swelling below the elbow. If you see skin bulging above or below the sleeve, size up.
Cubital Tunnel Night Splint
For cubital tunnel syndrome, ulnar nerve irritation, and nighttime numbness or tingling in the ring and pinky fingers.
Sizing Guide
Most cubital tunnel splints come in sizes based on forearm circumference. Some are one-size-adjustable. The splint should hold the elbow at about 30 to 45 degrees of bend (nearly straight).
Tips & Tricks
Wear the splint at night while sleeping. The goal is to keep the elbow from bending too much, which compresses the ulnar nerve. Soft, padded versions are usually more comfortable for long-term overnight wear than rigid versions.
Common Mistakes
A splint that holds the elbow too straight can be uncomfortable. A splint that allows too much bending defeats the purpose. The fit should keep the elbow gently extended without forcing it.
Gel-Padded Elbow Sleeve
For olecranon bursitis ("student's elbow"), bony prominence padding, and protection for those who lean on their elbows often.
Sizing Guide
Measure forearm circumference 2 inches below the elbow. Match to the manufacturer's size chart. The gel pad should sit directly over the bony tip of the elbow.
Tips & Tricks
Wear during activities that put pressure on the elbow tip, like resting on a desk or contact sports. The gel cushion absorbs impact and reduces friction. Hand-wash and air-dry to preserve the gel.
Common Mistakes
The gel pad must be positioned over the boniest part of the elbow. If it shifts off-center, the protective effect is lost. A sleeve that is too tight can cause numbness in the hand.
Elbow T-Scope (Range-of-Motion Brace)
For post-surgical or post-fracture rehabilitation requiring controlled range of motion at the elbow.
Sizing Guide
Elbow T-Scope braces are typically one-size-adjustable with telescoping bars. Adjust the length so the hinge aligns with your elbow joint center. Follow your surgical team's instructions for range-of-motion settings.
Tips & Tricks
Your surgeon or therapist will set the allowed range of motion. Do not adjust the ROM settings yourself unless instructed. The brace should be snug but allow comfortable wear throughout the day. Check strap tension regularly as swelling changes.
Common Mistakes
Changing the range-of-motion settings without your surgeon's guidance can compromise your recovery. Straps that are too loose allow the brace to shift and the hinge to misalign with your elbow.
Mayo Elbow Brace (Static-Adjustable Stretch)
For elbow contractures, post-surgical recovery (fracture dislocations, bicep/tricep tendon ruptures, ulnar nerve transposition, total elbow arthroplasty, ligament repairs), and stretching out stiff elbows where a small daily change in angle is needed. Allows immobilization, controlled static stretch, or free motion modes.
Sizing Guide
Universal size, available for left or right arm. The Aircast 05EL (left) and 05ER (right) models fit most adults. Pick the side that matches your injured arm.
Tips & Tricks
The Mayo Elbow Brace differs from an Elbow T-Scope: instead of adjustable range-of-motion limits, it uses a control knob and adjustable hinge for static stretch — your provider sets the angle, and you gradually progress the stretch over days or weeks. Aircell strapping cushions the arm. Use the static stretch mode to slowly increase elbow extension or flexion as tissues heal.
Common Mistakes
Adjusting the stretch angle on your own without provider guidance can re-injure the joint. Confusing this brace with an Elbow T-Scope is common — the T-Scope is for active ROM-controlled rehab; the Mayo brace is for slow, static contracture release. Be sure you have the side (left or right) that matches your injured arm.